No Bigger Than We Make It

I feel at peace this morning after some days of high temptation. I am following the St. Ignatius style online retreat by Creighton University (I recommend it - look for it online). This week's theme is particularly challenging for me and it caused me to see, perhaps only fleetingly, that my porn addiction is a much smaller challenge than I make it out to be. At this particular moment in my struggle, I can see that overcoming an addiction to porn is not the mount Everest my mind often makes it out to be.

Brothers, this addiction is completely beatable. The tactics can be stated simply even if they can be hard to practice sometimes (1) Learn the three stages of sin as described by St. Augustine and focus on not committing the venial sin which leads to mortal sin (2) Make and keep a promise to pray with your heart, each and every day. Treat it like brushing your teeth or taking your vitamins - it is a habit we cannot afford to break. (3) When you pray, ask Our Lord to fill your heart so full of love for God that there is no room left for the evil one. Stated another way, nurture and grow our desire and determination to seek a new life focused on the one true God with no place in our hearts for lust as our god. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

 

Yes, that is the one. I have found it very helpful in drawing me closer to God and growing my understanding and love for Jesus.